Rare and Recent Books is a family run business based in County Mayo in the West of Ireland. We specialise in books of Irish interest but have a large general stock ranging from the 18th century to modern first editions. We carry a wide selection of books relating to Galway and Mayo which will be of interest to visitors and locals. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any specific queries.

Visit Cong

Why not visit Cong on your next visit to Ireland? Cong is home to castles, an Abbey, forest walks, boat trips and of course our book shop. It is the most popular Irish village on tripadvisor. More information about the village is available here.

How To Get To Cong

From Galway

Take the N84 (Headford Road) from Galway to Headford. At the traffic lights in Headford go straight ahead (signposted Cong – R334). Turn left on the R346 (signposted Cong) when you reach Cross. You will reach Cong after around two miles. We are located in the centre of the Main Street next door to Ryan's Hotel.

From Westport

Leave Westport on the R330 (signposted Partry). On reaching Partry turn right on to the N84 and proceed to Ballinrobe. Leave Ballinrobe on the R334 (signposted Cong and The Neale). After leaving The Neale turn right onto the R345 (signposted Cong). On reaching the main entrance to Ashford Castle turn right into the village. We are located in the centre of the Main Street next door to Ryan's Hotel.

From Castlebar

Take the N84 south to Ballinrobe. Leave Ballinrobe on the R334 (signposted Cong and The Neale). After leaving The Neale turn right onto the R345 (signposted Cong). On reaching the main entrance to Ashford Castle turn right into the village. We are located in the centre of the Main Street next door to Ryan's Hotel.

There are daily bus services to and from Cong from Galway, Westport, Castlebar and Ballina. More information is available on the Bus Eireann website.

What Our Customers Say About Us

The Best Little Bookshop in the West…..

Mr J., Nevada, USA.

Thanks a million – you may have performed a “minor miracle” for me as I have searched for that book many times in the past – and just a few minutes ago thanks to your intervention I have now ordered it on-line!

Mr S. Ireland.

“kind and great service:)”

Mr M. Norway.

“great book. thank you”

Mr H. USA

“Lovely book, throughly enjoyed reading. thank you so, so, so much”

Ms C. England.

“Many thanks for excellent McGahern, arrived by rocket today.”

Mr G. Sweden

“This was a professional and quality service..”

Mr Q. England

Returning an item

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to return an item for any reason. We strive to ensure that our description of books is as accurate as possible. We are happy to e mail pictures of a book prior to purchase if required. Our business is regulated under Irish Law by the EC (Protection of Consumers in respect of contracts made by means of distance communication) Regulations 2001.